Save A vibrant spread of customizable boards & bowls, perfect for social gatherings. Guests mix & match fresh ingredients to create their own personalized meals: fun, engaging, & sure to please every palate.
I first offered a build-your-own board for a family get-together: everyone loved customizing their plates. Kids enjoyed being creative, adults sampled new flavor combinations, & it made hosting feel effortless.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast: 400 g, sliced
- Marinated tofu: 400 g, grilled or baked, cubed
- Cooked shrimp: 400 g, peeled & deveined
- Falafel balls: 350 g (store-bought or homemade)
- Jasmine rice: 4 cups, cooked
- Quinoa: 4 cups, cooked
- Romaine lettuce: 2 large heads, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
- Cucumber: 1, sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Shredded carrots: 1 cup
- Cooked edamame: 1 cup
- Roasted sweet potato cubes: 1 cup
- Crumbled feta cheese: 1 cup (or vegan alternative)
- Sliced olives: 1/2 cup
- Pickled red onions: 1/2 cup
- Toasted nuts or seeds: 1/2 cup (e.g. almonds, pumpkin seeds)
- Hummus: 1/2 cup
- Tzatziki: 1/2 cup
- Sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce: 1/2 cup
- Chopped fresh herbs: 1/4 cup (parsley, cilantro, mint)
- Lemon-tahini dressing: to taste
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: to taste
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Proteins:
- Grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, & falafel as preferred. Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Cook Grains & Bases:
- Prepare jasmine rice & quinoa as directed. Fluff with a fork. Chop romaine lettuce. Arrange each in separate serving bowls.
- Prep Vegetables:
- Wash & chop all fresh vegetables. Put in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Arrange Toppings & Sauces:
- Place toppings & sauces in small bowls for easy serving.
- Set Up Spread:
- Organize all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category.
- Prepare for Serving:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite Your Guests:
- Encourage guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, then proteins, vegetables, toppings, dressings, & herbs.
Save Our most memorable moment: watching everyone around the table chat & laugh while building their favorite bowls. Grandparents added all the toppings, little ones created colorful veggie plates, & everyone found something they loved.
Required Tools
Large serving platters & bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces & toppings, tongs & spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten, shellfish. Always confirm labels for allergies or cross-contamination risk.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per bowl: 420 calories, 14 g fat, 48 g carbs, 22 g protein.
Save Invite friends to get creative & build colorful bowls: it makes any meal a celebration. Enjoy the variety & let everyone find their favorite combinations.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep ingredients fresh for serving?
Use chilled bowls for veggies, keep proteins covered until serving, and prep dressings just before guests arrive.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, most proteins and grains can be cooked earlier. Keep them refrigerated and reheat if needed before serving.
- → How do I offer vegan and gluten-free options?
Provide plant proteins like tofu and falafel, use vegan cheeses, and confirm sauces and falafel are gluten-free.
- → What bases work best for plated bowls?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce all serve as great customizable bases for bowls or plates.
- → What’s the best way to serve sauces and toppings?
Arrange sauces and toppings in small bowls grouped by category. Provide spoons or ladles for easy serving.
- → How do I accommodate common allergies?
Separate allergy-prone items, clearly label ingredients, and check all packaging for allergen info before serving.